Search
Search results
Entertainment Editor (1988 KP) created a video about Total War Saga: Thrones of Britannia in Video Games
Dec 9, 2017
David McK (3251 KP) rated Mythos (Stephen Fry's Greek Mythology Volume 1) in Books
Dec 10, 2019
Stephen Fry's straight re-telling of the various Greek Myths, in more-or-less chronological order (well, as much as they can be!), starting from the Titans and going right up to Midas, leaving (I assume) Jason and the Argonauts, or the siege of Troy for future instalments.
A bit like Neil Gaiman's Norse Mythology, in other words.
A bit like Neil Gaiman's Norse Mythology, in other words.
Merissa (11805 KP) created a post
Mar 27, 2024
Rob P (30 KP) rated Norse Mythology in Books
Apr 22, 2019 (Updated Apr 23, 2019)
very accessible (3 more)
reads like an anthology
simplified for story format
great starting point
no information related to the Norse religion as it was practiced. (1 more)
presumes the knowledge of certain intricacies on behalf of the reader
Norse My"Thor"logy
Contains spoilers, click to show
Ah what an enjoyable read.
I love mythology, and this book is a great starting point if you wish to know about the more "Hollywood" stars of Norse myth (Odin, Thor, Loki, the dwarves and frost giants, Hel (or Hela, as marvel would have it) Frey and Freya and Mimir and Heimdall and a host of others whose names you may have heard).
One of the acclaims on the front of the book sums this up quite well. "Gaiman takes on the role of the fireside Bard" - it's an easy metaphor to use, as this really is a collection of stories simplified to tales of adventure and deceit.
The vikings (or Scandinavians in general) were clearly looking to explain certain phenomena using these characters (much like Greek and Roman mythology) and I love reading about that. Trying to put myself in the position of an awed villager hearing thunder and the seeing the flash of lighting, reasoning that it must be the indomitable Thor, wielding the mighty Mjollnir, ending the life of a wicked Frost Giant with a gigantic blow. Or feeling an earthquake, and believing it must be Loki, trapped in his mountain prison, the burn of the snake's venom corroding his face as his screams of agony set the very mountains to trembling. Waiting for Ragnarok to break his bonds and have his revenge on the gods. Wonderful stuff.
If you have any interest in mythology and (like me) you don't want to dive into more reference or poetry-based offerings right away, this is a great place to start.
I guarantee that once you do, you may very well want to carry on into the more heavy hitting titles out there pertaining to Norse myth.
Definitely recommended.
Rob
I love mythology, and this book is a great starting point if you wish to know about the more "Hollywood" stars of Norse myth (Odin, Thor, Loki, the dwarves and frost giants, Hel (or Hela, as marvel would have it) Frey and Freya and Mimir and Heimdall and a host of others whose names you may have heard).
One of the acclaims on the front of the book sums this up quite well. "Gaiman takes on the role of the fireside Bard" - it's an easy metaphor to use, as this really is a collection of stories simplified to tales of adventure and deceit.
The vikings (or Scandinavians in general) were clearly looking to explain certain phenomena using these characters (much like Greek and Roman mythology) and I love reading about that. Trying to put myself in the position of an awed villager hearing thunder and the seeing the flash of lighting, reasoning that it must be the indomitable Thor, wielding the mighty Mjollnir, ending the life of a wicked Frost Giant with a gigantic blow. Or feeling an earthquake, and believing it must be Loki, trapped in his mountain prison, the burn of the snake's venom corroding his face as his screams of agony set the very mountains to trembling. Waiting for Ragnarok to break his bonds and have his revenge on the gods. Wonderful stuff.
If you have any interest in mythology and (like me) you don't want to dive into more reference or poetry-based offerings right away, this is a great place to start.
I guarantee that once you do, you may very well want to carry on into the more heavy hitting titles out there pertaining to Norse myth.
Definitely recommended.
Rob
Kyera (8 KP) rated For Magnus Chase: Hotel Valhalla, Guide to the Norse Worlds in Books
Feb 1, 2018
This was your typical, hilarious Rick Riordan companion novel. Like Percy Jackson telling us in his witty way about Greek mythology in the two books about Greek Gods and Greek Heroes
Various residents of Hotel Valhalla tell us about Norse mythology. It was filled with interviews, stories and jokes. Part encyclopedia and part comedy sketch. I do wish that it was longer and more in depth. Generally, people know more about Greek mythology than they do about other types, so it would be great to have a more expansive discussion about the gods, goddesses, monsters and origin stories in Norse Mythology. Perhaps this will be rectified in a future expanded novel? That would be my one criticism for this book, otherwise it was a fantastic, quick, funny read. Highly recommended for middle grade and young adult readers who are already fans of Rick Riordan's, love fantasy, mythology, funny books or pretty much anything else. I just recommend that you read the Magnus Chase series before delving into this book to give yourself a little familiarity.
Richard Johnson (1 KP) rated Xena: Warrior Princess in TV
May 10, 2018
Xena: Warrior Princess follows the title character as she seeks redemption for her grisly past.
Accompanied by her soulmate Gabrielle, The Battling Bard of Poutidea, they travel across Greece and beyond, righting wrongs and helping the hopeless.
The show itself incorporates various mythological creatures and dieties of Ancient Greece, as well as the gods and goddesses of many other religions, including Norse, Indian, Christianity and more.
The show is full of action, comedy, and supernatural suspense, great for all ages.
Accompanied by her soulmate Gabrielle, The Battling Bard of Poutidea, they travel across Greece and beyond, righting wrongs and helping the hopeless.
The show itself incorporates various mythological creatures and dieties of Ancient Greece, as well as the gods and goddesses of many other religions, including Norse, Indian, Christianity and more.
The show is full of action, comedy, and supernatural suspense, great for all ages.
Book Divas (227 KP) rated Hildie at the Ghost Shore in Books
Dec 12, 2017
I was gifted a copy of this short story by the author in exchange for an honest review. I made no guarantee of a favorable review.
This short story was a deeply, powerful and meaningful story of the human heart and the capacity of the love it holds told via the use of Norse mythology. It was well written and I certainly did not see what was coming. I love a story that makes me cry upon revealing its most intimate secret. This is truly a must read.
This short story was a deeply, powerful and meaningful story of the human heart and the capacity of the love it holds told via the use of Norse mythology. It was well written and I certainly did not see what was coming. I love a story that makes me cry upon revealing its most intimate secret. This is truly a must read.
David McK (3251 KP) rated Scourged (The Iron Druid Chronicles, #9) in Books
Jan 30, 2019
The final entry in Kevin Hearne's Iron Druid series, that closes out the story of Atticus, Oberon and companions as they attempt to stop Ragnarok (yes, that Ragnorak: the Norse end of the world)
I have to say, I also found this one not quite as enjoyable as the previous: I'm not sure why, but for some reason this just didn't grip me as much. This one largely takes it chapter about to move between the main characters: this is no longer just Atticus (and his faithful hound Oberon) story as the earlier entries were.
I have to say, I also found this one not quite as enjoyable as the previous: I'm not sure why, but for some reason this just didn't grip me as much. This one largely takes it chapter about to move between the main characters: this is no longer just Atticus (and his faithful hound Oberon) story as the earlier entries were.
Alison Pink (7 KP) rated The Sword of Summer (Magnus Chase and the Gods of Asgard, #1) in Books
Jan 15, 2018
It's no secret that I've thoroughly enjoyed all of Riordan's mythology based series. My favorite was the Khane Chronicles, but I have to say Magnus Chase is off to a grand start. Norse mythology has such a long & many layered history to it that it fits seamlessly into Riordan's brand of storytelling. As usual there is another great crop of characters as well as a tie in to his old faithful...Percy. I look forward to seeing what other adventures are in store for Magnus & his hall mates as they try to prevent the destruction of the Nine Worlds.
Laura Doe (1350 KP) rated American Gods in Books
Aug 14, 2018
I couldn’t put this book down. From the first page I was captivated. Bought it to take on holiday and had finished it by the morning of the second day. Everything about this book was interesting and entertaining.
It kept you guessing about who some characters were in terms of their Norse gods but that was just part of the fun of it. Brilliant twist at the end that I didn’t see coming until just before.
Shadow’s character kept you wanting more for him, and kept you hoping things would work out in his favour. Can’t wait to pick up the sequel!
It kept you guessing about who some characters were in terms of their Norse gods but that was just part of the fun of it. Brilliant twist at the end that I didn’t see coming until just before.
Shadow’s character kept you wanting more for him, and kept you hoping things would work out in his favour. Can’t wait to pick up the sequel!